Pentagrams Used In Christianity

A pentagram, when stripped of all meanings and associations that people and time have placed on it, is merely a 5 pointed star. Each of the 5 points mirrors the exact length of the others, and in scientific terms is known as a star pentagon. Throughout history, the pentagram has manifested itself in many religious manors. For instance, in Judaism the star was for a time used as the official seal of the city of Jerusalem. Where as Mormons have traditionally used the star in temple architecture to represent the “morning star”.

Therefore, pre conceived notions of the origin of this shape tend to dictate its acceptance in today’s society. In the Christian church, the star represents 2 very different meanings. The more predominant being a negative association with paganism. Wicca, a nature-based religion, often displays the pentagram through jewelry, or other ornamentation. Symbolic for it’s magic, and representative of the 5 elements, air, fire, water, earth, and aether or “spirit”. It is often shown with a circle around it, as a symbol of faith. In turn, some Christians view the pentagram to represent the 5 wounds that Christ endured on the cross. Medieval Christians donned the symbol in order to ward off witched and demons. The way that the pentagram itself is displayed also conveys certain meanings.

For example, Satanists often depict the symbol with 2 of its points facing upwards. This is a representation of evil or sinister forces, overturning or uprooting the proper order of things. It is also believed that the 3 downward points are to represent rejection of the Godhead or Holy Trinity. The 20th century saw the rejection of the pentagram by Christianity. Due mostly to misinterpretations of the symbol being used in ceremonial ritualism by paganists. While in actuality, this symbol is nothing more than simply that. Merely a symbol, serving if only to show that especially in today’s society, perception is everything.